Environment Agency officials stress that public water supplies are unlikely to be affected Credit: Reuters

Environmental experts say while rain over the spring and summer will help water crops and gardens, it is unlikely to bring an end to the drought.

It was hoped that a prolonged period of rainfall between October and March - known as the winter recharge period - would prevent widespread drought

But parts of England received less than 60% of the average winter rainfall

Water supplies have not been replenished

The Government says everyone needs to think about how much water they use to help tackle the problem:

As more areas of the UK move into drought it is vital that we use less water to protect the public's water supply in the driest areas of the country. It is for everyone to share the responsibility to save water. We are asking everyone to help by using less water and starting now.

– CAROLINE SPELMAN MP, ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY

A number of plans are already being out into place to deal with the prospect of a third dry winter. Water companies are looking at where they may be able to get more water, including sharing across boundaries. They will also look at how they can reduce leakage.

There is also a further warning today that the English drought could last even beyond Christmas:

A longer-term drought, lasting until Christmas and perhaps beyond, now looks more likely. While we've had some welcome rain recently, the problem has not gone away, and we would urge everyone - right across the country - to use water wisely now, which will help to prevent more serious impacts next year.